TCI POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT - WEDNESDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2025
Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 25th meeting of the Cabinet held on Wednesday, 1st October 2025 at the Office of the Premier, Hon. NJS Franics Building, Grand Turk.
All members were present with the exception of the Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Hon. Jamell Robinson; the Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Kyle Knowles; the Miniter of Education, Youth, Sport, Culture, and Library Services, Hon. Rachel Taylor; the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly; the Minsiter of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Otis Morris; and the Attorney General, Hon. Rhondalee Brathwaite-Knowles, with Ms. Khalila Astwood attending as Acting Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Noted the results of the actuarial assessment of the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) and the Retiring Allowance Plan (RAP) in accordance with the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2011.
- Approved in principle the Planning Application PR 18756 for a subdivision.
- Approved the restructuring of the TCIAA’s Financial estimates for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, for onward submission to Parliament.
- Noted the awarding of a contract for NIB 28/25,TR25/11 Headley Durham Building Flooring Replacement-Grand Turk.
- Approved the establishment of an inter-agency task force Operation Drag-Net to strengthen compliance and enforcement initiatives.
- Approved the recommendations to operationalize a Credit Union for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
- Approved a Christmas Salary Advance for Public Officers and pensioners for the upcoming Christmas holidays.
- Approved the Business Licensing (Amendment) Bill 2025 Refinement of Equity Ownership Requirements in Reserved Business Categories.
- Noted the plans of the Ministry of Public Safety regarding the use and repurposing of the Provo Children’s Home. Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Ms. Yanely Thomas Appointed Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Yanely Thomas as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer within the Policy and Planning Unit of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.
Ms. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with a minor in Sociology from Jacksonville University, which she completed in April 2023. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Organisational Leadership, with anticipated completion in August 2026.
Ms. Thomas garnered valuable experience during her tenure at Epic Corporate & Consultancy Services Ltd. She initially joined the organisation as a Clerical Officer Intern in 2019 and subsequently returned as an Administrative Officer upon completing her undergraduate studies. In March 2024, she was elevated to the position of Corporate Service Officer, where she collaborated closely with senior management to enhance corporate operations, strengthen client relationships and contribute to program coordination and service delivery.
Reflecting on her appointment, Ms. Thomas shared, “I am honoured to serve as Monitoring and Evaluation Officer within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture. I am excited to support the strengthening of a data-driven culture and the improvement of data quality across the Ministry. I am committed to ensuring that our data supports informed decision-making as we continue to build capacity across the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams in congratulatory remarks said, "Congratulations are extended to Ms. Yanely Thomas on her appointment as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer within the Policy and Planning Unit of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture. We warmly welcome her to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service and are confident that her academic qualifications and prior experience will be valuable assets in her new role, as the Ministry advances new policies and continues to strengthen existing ones.
Congratulations on your well-deserved appointment, Ms. Thomas."
Ombudsman’s Office Strengthens Capacity with Training on Complaints Commissioner’s Ordinance
The Office of the Complaints Commissioner (Ombudsman) recently hosted a focused training session for the new Commissioner and staff on the Complaints Commissioner’s Ordinance. The session formed a key part of the new Commissioner’s orientation and reinforced the Office’s commitment to fair, lawful and consistent handling of complaints.
With guidance and support from The Attorney General’s Chambers, participants reviewed the Ordinance section by section, clarifying the scope of the Commissioner’s powers, the procedures for handling complaints, and the standards that guide investigations and recommendations. For newer staff, the training provided a strong foundation in the legal framework of the Office. For longer-serving officers, it served as a timely refresher and an opportunity to reflect on how the law is applied in practice.
“The Complaints Commissioner’s Ordinance is at the heart of what we do,” the Commissioner noted. “It is important that everyone in the Office understands not just what the law says, but how it should guide our day-to-day work with members of the public and with public authorities.”
This initiative forms part of a broader program to strengthen the capacity of the Office as a key good governance institution. In the coming months, similar awareness sessions are planned with selected ministries, departments, other public functionaries and the public in general, to increase understanding of the role of the Ombudsman and the value of the Office as an independent mechanism for resolving complaints and improving public administration.
TCI Holiday Forecast
GENERAL SITUATION: Generally fair weather conditions are expected across the Turks and Caicos Islands today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: There is a high risk of hazardous rip currents, high seas, and rough surf conditions impacting Atlantic-facing shorelines from Tuesday to Wednesday. Beachgoers and swimmers are urged to refrain from entering the waters in these areas.
WEATHER: Mostly sunny today. Mostly fair tonight.
WINDS: Northeast to east at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & sheltered areas – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic – 4 to 6 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 82°F 28°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 75°F 24°C
SUNSET: 05:11 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 04:05 PM (1.0 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 09:42 PM (2.3 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: Hazardous beach and boating conditions are expected from Tuesday into Wednesday as strong winds and large swells develop while a weakening cold front moves near the Turks and Caicos Islands.
TUESDAY: A low (20 to 30 percent) chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 82°F (28°C).
TUESDAY NIGHT: A low (20 to 30 percent) chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75°F (24°C).
ADVISORY: Small Craft Advisory
WINDS: Northeast to east at 15 to 25 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & sheltered areas – 3 to 5 feet; Atlantic – 5 to 7 feet, building up to 10 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:23 AM
SUNSET: 05:12 PM
LOW TIDE: 03:51 AM (0.7 FT) 04:43 PM (1.0 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 10:23 AM (2.6 FT) 10:24 PM (2.3 FT)
WEDNESDAY: A low (10 percent) chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 82°F (28°C).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Isolated showers possible in the evening. Mostly fair, with a low around 75°F (24°C).
ADVISORY: Small Craft Advisory
WINDS: Northeast at 15 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & sheltered areas – 3 to 5 feet; Atlantic – 4 to 6 feet, building up to 9 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:24 AM
SUNSET: 05:12 PM
LOW TIDE: 04:34 AM (0.7 FT) 05:24 PM (1.0 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 11:03 AM (2.6 FT) 11:11 PM (2.3 FT)
FORECASTER: H.HAMILTON
The Turks and Caicos Islands Receives Over One Million Cruise Passengers for 2025
The Turks and Caicos Islands has received over one million cruise passengers from January to November 2025.
In November, the Cruise Port in Grand Turk registered 1.1 million total passenger arrivals, a four percent Year on Year increase over the same period in 2024.
The preliminary count of cruise passenger arrivals for the month of November 2025 was 111,727, 17 percent more than last November. This growth follows the berthing of five additional calls in Grand Turk this month.
The preliminary count of cruise passenger arrivals for the month of October 2025 was 51,308, 53 percent less than last October. The decrease was the result of at least three cancellations due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa, and another 10 fewer calls scheduled than last October.
“Crossing the one-million passenger mark before year end is a major achievement for the Turks and Caicos Islands and a clear signal of the strength of our cruise sector,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly. “While October was impacted by weather-related disruptions, November’s rebound demonstrates the resilience of the destination and the continued confidence cruise lines place in Grand Turk. Our ongoing focus is to ensure this growth is well managed and consistently translates into meaningful, long-term economic opportunities for Grand Turk and the wider community."
January, February and July registered the highest number of passenger arrivals with 144,039 passengers in January, 138,931 passengers in February and 127,503 passengers in July.
NEW PRIMARY CARE CLINIC, CARIBBEAN HEALTH MEDICAL SERVICES, OPENS IN PROVIDENCIALES
Caribbean Health Medical Services is excited to announce the grand opening of its new primary care clinic, which officially opened on December 1, 2025, at the Old Business Solutions Building, next to Napa on Leeward Highway, Providenciales.
Under the leadership of long-time TCI physician Dr. David Bernardo, who has served the community for over 18 years, the clinic provides accessible, reliable, and patient-centered healthcare to individuals, families, and employers across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Reflecting on the opening, Dr. Bernardo said: “We are so excited to open this clinic, the Turks and Caicos Islands have been my home for nearly two decades, and serving this community continues to be one of the most fulfilling parts of my life, and our goal is to offer care that is accessible, compassionate, and rooted in genuine human connection. I hope that every patient who walks through our doors feels respected, cared for, and confident that their health is in good hands.”
The clinic offers a comprehensive range of primary and preventive services, including general medical care, work permit and resident permit medical examinations, rapid diagnostics, vaccinations, screening services, and advanced cardiovascular assessments, all designed to support the everyday health needs of the island’s growing population.
Having spent nearly two decades serving patients through the Turks and Caicos Islands Government Hospitals, InterHealth Canada, and most recently Accu Diagnostics Clinic, Dr. Bernardo expressed deep gratitude for the community’s continued trust and support. He shared that he is especially eager to welcome back his long-standing patients, many of whom have been following his career and were waiting for his return to his private practice.
“I’m truly grateful to the patients who have trusted me over the years,” Dr. Bernardo said. “Opening this clinic means I can continue serving them with the same care, empathy, and commitment they have always known. I look forward to welcoming everyone, familiar faces and new patients alike.”
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION LAUNCHES 2026 SEASON FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture would like to announced the launch of the 2026 scholarship application season which will begin on January 1st 2026.
This initiative offers invaluable opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to apply for scholarship opportunities within the Ministry’s priority areas.
Estimated awards within each award category are as follows: -
- Standard Financial Assistance ............................................................(55)
- Cadet Financial Assistance ...........................................................(2)
- The TCI Hope Award ...................................................................(2)
- Intl. Associate's Degree / A-Level awards ....................................(3)
- Athletic Financial Assistance ..............................................................(3)
- National Scholars Awards ...................................................................(4 -preselected)
- Special Needs Students Financial Assistance Award ..........................(1)
- BWIC - GCE Advanced Level ............................................................(4)
Last year the Scholarship Secretariat introduced a new application method in the form of a financial assistance platform which marked the departure from traditional email or paper submissions.
Applicants are reminded that all applications must now be submitted exclusively through https://tcig-nefa.grantplatform.com/?AR=1
Explanatory notes are in the link provided above outline the criteria for each award category.
The MOE is reminding the public that the application deadline is: May 31st, 2026 at [11:59 pm] [EST]
Successful applicants will be notified in July 2026.
For more information, including explanatory notes on the application process and priority areas, please visit our website at https://gov.tc/scholarshipsecretariat.
The MOE wishes to convey that should you have further questions about the application process, please contact the Scholarship Secretariat Unit by email at scholarshipsecretariat@tciedu.tc
Commissioner Fitz Bailey Elected Second VP of the Regional Police Association
TCI’s Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been elected as the Second Vice President of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP).
The election took place during the ACCP’s Intersessional Meeting, being held from December 3rd to 5th at the Sheraton Miami in Miami, Florida, USA.
Commissioner Bailey’s appointment underscores his leadership and commitment to advancing regional collaboration on law enforcement matters. The ACCP brings together Commissioners of Police from across the Caribbean to strengthen cooperation, share best practices, and address common challenges in policing and public safety.
RTC News understands that this new role positions Commissioner Bailey to contribute further to the strategic direction of the Association, fostering stronger partnerships among Caribbean nations in the fight against crime, as well as the promotion of community security.
Weekend forecast for TCI
GENERAL SITUATION: A broad subtropical ridge will continue to support fair weather conditions while passing pockets of moisture could spark some showers later tonight.
WEATHER: Partly sunny with isolated showers possible. Mostly fair tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & sheltered areas – 3 feet or less; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 86°F 30°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 73°F 23°C
SUNSET: 05:05 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 02:50 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 08:26 PM (2.3 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: A deep-layered ridging pattern will remain the dominant feature through the weekend, with a few isolated showers possible as some bands of moisture move across the area.
SATURDAY: Isolated showers possible in the morning. Partly sunny, with a high near 86°F (30°C).
SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 74°F (24°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots with higher gusts.
SEAS: Caicos Bank & sheltered areas – 3 feet or less; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:14 AM
SUNSET: 05:05 PM
HIGH TIDE: 02:35 AM (0.3 FT) 03:39 PM (0.7 FT)
LOW TIDE: 09:09 AM (3.3 FT) 09:14 PM (2.3 FT)
SUNDAY: Partly sunny, with a high near 86°F (30°C).
SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 74°F (24°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots with higher gusts.
SEAS: Caicos Bank & sheltered areas – 3 feet or less; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:14 AM
SUNSET: 05:05 PM
HIGH TIDE: 03:25 AM (0.3 FT) 04:29 PM (0.7 FT)
LOW TIDE: 10:00 AM (3.3 FT) 10:04 PM (2.3 FT)
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
Prada finalizes purchase of fashion rival Versace for $1.4 billion
The Prada Group closed the purchase of Milan fashion rival Versace in a $1.375 billion cash deal that puts the fashion house known for its sexy silhouettes under the same roof as Prada’s “ugly chic” aesthetic and Miu Miu’s youth-driven appeal.
The highly anticipated deal is expected to relaunch Versace’s fortunes, after middling post-pandemic performance as part of the U.S. luxury group Capri Holdings.
Prada said in a one-line statement that the acquisition had been completed after receiving all regulatory clearances. Capri Holdings, which owns Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo, said the money would be used to pay down debt.
Donatella Versace welcomed the deal in an Instagram post, which also marked the birthday of the brand’s late founder, her brother, Gianni Versace.
“Today is your day and the day Versace joins the Prada family. I am thinking of the smile you would have had on your face,’' she wrote in a post that also featured a 1996 photo of Gianni Versace with Miuccia Prada.
Prada heir Lorenzo Bertelli is set to steer Versace’s next phase as executive chairman, in addition to his roles as group marketing director and sustainability chief.
The son of co-creative director Miuccia Prada and longtime Prada Group chairman Patrizio Bertelli has said he doesn’t expect to make any swift executive changes at Versace, although he also noted that the company, which is among the top 10 most recognized brands in the world, has long been underperforming in the market.